Goal: Slow global warming by convincing states and communities to pave the way for all new cars being electric by 2035.

To slow global warming, we need to change what we drive. We’re calling for all new cars and trucks to be electric by 2035. We know our leaders in Washington, D.C., are going the wrong way on this issue. That’s why our Clean Car Communities campaign is urging local and state officials to pave the way.

We can’t go on like this. Carbon dioxide emissions are the primary cause of global warming, and transportation is the #1 source of America’s carbon pollution. To slow global warming, we need to shift to electric cars. We’re calling for 100 percent of new cars and trucks to be electric by 2035.

From 1 to 100

How do we get from less than 1 percent electric vehicles to 100 percent?

The good news is that electric vehicle technology is already advancing rapidly. How fast?

Yet when it comes to promoting clean cars, the U.S. has taken two steps forward but is poised to to sadly take one step back.

That’s because the Trump administration is attempting to roll back successful fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks, and halt efforts by more than a dozen states to set stronger pollution standards for cars and trucks that promote more electric vehicles.

At PennEnvironment, we’re working with a bipartisan coalition of legislators to oppose these attacks, educate and engage concerned Pennsylvanians, and garner media attention to these proposed rollbacks. Stopping these attacks on cleaner cars is Step 1 if we’re going to continue to make headway on this effort in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Clean Car Communities

Our Clean Car Communities campaign is doing all we can to advance that goal. With Washington, D.C., going the wrong way on this issue, we can and must encourage state and local officials to do more to pave the way.

What can states and cities do? And how likely are they to step up and lead?

Consider this: Seven states and Washington, D.C., already have agreed to work together to reduce the vehicle pollution that contributes to global warming. Communities throughout the states are also taking steps to prepare for electric vehicles. For example, Delaware provides rebates for electric charging stations at workplaces. New Jersey has a similar program.

When the Trump administration announced it was rolling back Clean Car standards, our supporters—including electric car owners—made their voices heard. Watch.

Acting locally to save the planet

What can we bring to this debate?

We were a leading force in winning national Clean Car standards, which are driving the auto industry to make some electric cars now. First, we persuaded 13 states across the country to adopt California’s Clean Car standards. Among those states were Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. Then, we lobbied and mobilized support for the national standards adopted by the Obama administration in 2012. We’re currently defending those standards from the Trump administration’s efforts to roll them back.

We know how to win at the state and local levels, and how to transform local victories into a nationwide impact. A key to our success: a strong base of members and supporters throughout the states—and in communities with small, but growing numbers of electric vehicles.

Don't put the brakes on clean cars

If clean car standards are rolled back, it will mean the cars we drive tomorrow will burn more gas, trigger more asthma attacks and accelerate climate change.

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